Medlow Mess Studs

A few years ago, Medlow Bath was a sleepy little place between Katoomba and Blackheath that time seemed to have pleasantly forgotten since the 1920s. There were charming avenues of trees, a gracious old boutique hotel, misty views of the Megalong Valley and generous dollops of peace and quiet. Sigh.

Not any more. About 50 well meaning government departments seem to have collectively decided to create as much mess, noise and inconvenience as humanly possible. ALL AT ONCE.

A new lift and stair system is being installed for passengers entering the railway station. All the plumbing, electrics, lights and platform surfaces are being renewed or replaced, a massive new pedestrian bridge is being installed for passengers crossing the highway or the railway line or entering the station. A commuter carpark has been installed, new public gardens established and bus terminal facilities upgraded.

If that were not enough, the entire highway through Medlow is being widened, necessitating massive retaining walls, huge earthworks, wholesale removal of small forests, movement of street lighting, town power, communications cables and water conduits, new overhanging footpaths and goodness knows what else. 

Given that the highway is slap bang adjacent to the station, Easter break highway traffic is bumper to bumper WITHOUT the new construction work and speed restrictions. The Medlow mess doesn't bear thinking about at such times. 

About the only thing actually completed (well ... sort of) is a new set of platform studs to help protect the visually compromised. Can't resist a pattern.